Article of footwear with dynamic tensioning system

ABSTRACT

An improved article of footwear is disclosed herein. The footwear includes a sole, an upper, laces, and an adaptable/repositionable eyelet system. The upper of the footwear is disposed on the sole, where the upper contains a cavity that is configured to receive a foot. The eyelet system includes a cord and at least one eyelet. The cord is partially disposed between the upper and the sole, and the at least one eyelet is slidably coupled to the cord. The laces are slidably coupled to the at least one eyelet, such that the laces, the eyelet, and the cord are disposed proximate to the surface of the upper. As the laces are tightened, the at least one eyelet is repositioned along the cord to a location that is optimal for a foot disposed within the cavity formed by the upper.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/199,361, entitled “Article ofFootwear with Dynamic Tensioning System”, filed Jul. 31, 2015, and toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/238,311, entitled“Article of Footwear with Dynamic Tensioning System”, filed Oct. 7,2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article of footwear that provides animproved and custom fit of an upper around a foot. More specifically,the present invention relates to an article of footwear with eyeletsthat are repositionable along the shoe, enabling the eyelets and thelaces of the shoe to be positioned in an optimal location based on theshape of the foot within the shoe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear, particularly athletic footwear, are worn in a variety ofactivities including running, walking, hiking, team and individualsports, and any other activity where the protection and support of humanfeet is desired. In one configuration, an article of footwear includesan upper that forms a cavity in which a user places his or her foot. Thearticle of footwear further includes a sole that engages the bottom ofthe foot and separates the foot from the ground. The sole often consistsof one or more layers of materials including leather, rubber, foam, andplastics that provide shock absorption and support to the foot. Fortypical articles of footwear, the upper extends outwardly and/orupwardly from an outer peripheral edge of the midsole and covers atleast a portion of the foot to hold the footwear in place on the foot ofthe user. Uppers in athletic footwear are usually formed from one ormore pieces of fabric, leather, and/or plastic that are stitched,bonded, or otherwise attached together. Various fasteners, includinglaces or strings, are used to secure the foot in the cavity defined bythe upper.

The human foot has various sections including the forefoot, midfoot, andheel, where the midfoot includes the arch of the foot. Every footdiffers in both shape and size. While articles of footwear are sold invarious sizes, the sizes are generalizations for only the size of thefoot that the article of footwear may fit, and these sizes fail to takeinto consideration the varying shapes between different feet having thesame size. Because conventional articles of footwear are incapable ofaccommodating varying shapes of feet, an article of footwear is limitedto the number of people that find that article of footwear comfortable.

In addition, while conventional articles of footwear contain eyeletsconfigured to receive a string or laces, the eyelets of the conventionalarticles of footwear are stationary. Thus, as a wearer of theconventional article of footwear tightens the laces of the article offootwear, the article of footwear may contain portions that are tighterand more uncomfortable than other portions that are looser. Thestationary eyelets of the conventional article of footwear prevent theupper of the article of footwear from properly contouring and conformingto the shape of the foot within the article of footwear. This reducesthe comfort of the article of footwear. The stationary eyelets alsoprevent the article of footwear from providing proper support to thefoot within the article of footwear, especially during athletic events,such as running.

It would be desirable to provide an article of footwear with adaptableor repositionable eyelets, where the eyelets are able to be positionedalong the upper of an article of footwear to a position that is mostcomfortable to a wearer of the article of footwear. Moreover, theadaptable eyelets further enable the upper of the article of footwear totightly contour and conform to the shape of any foot placed within thearticle of footwear to provide support for the foot while remainingcomfortable to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An article of footwear includes a dynamic tensioning system including aplurality of tethering elements. Each tethering includes a cord securedto the article of footwear and a carriage member moveably coupled to thecord. The carriage member is configured to movably couple to a lacingelement that is manipulated by the user. Accordingly, each carriagemember rides along its respective cord, as well as the lacing element.With this configuration, as the lacing element is engaged, each carriagemember adapts to the topography of the upper, becoming positioned alongthe foot at an optimum upper location. In addition, during use of thearticle of footwear, each carriage member independently adapts to footmovement and provides dynamic adjustment to footwear flexure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first example embodiment ofan article of footwear in accordance with the present invention, showinga lateral shoe side.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial close-up view of the article of footwear ofFIG. 1, showing a plurality of carriage members disposed along a side ofthe shoe.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of a carriage member illustrated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG.1, showing a lateral shoe side.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a second example embodiment of anarticle of footwear in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the article offootwear illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a carriage member in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the carriage member illustrated inFIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates a rear view of the carriage member illustrated inFIG. 7C.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the base element of the eyelet systemof the embodiment of the article of footwear illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view along line A-A illustrated inFIG. 8 of one of the members of the embodiment of the base elementillustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a series of eyelets connectedto a series of tethers and base elements according to the embodiment ofthe article of footwear illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of thebase element in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12A illustrates a side view in elevation of a third embodiment ofthe article of footwear including a dynamic tensioning system inaccordance with the embodiment of the invention, showing a lateral sideview.

FIG. 12B is a side view in elevation of the article of footwear of FIG.12A, showing a medial side view.

FIG. 12C illustrates a top plan view of the article of footwear of FIG.12A.

FIG. 13A illustrates a top plan view of a carrier element in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13B illustrates a close view of a coupling element, shown inisolation.

FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of a coupling element inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14B illustrates a top plan view of the coupling element of FIG.14A.

FIG. 14C illustrates a cross sectional view of the coupling elementshown in FIG. 14A, taken along lines B-B.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a carrier strand connected toa coupling element, shown in isolation.

FIG. 16A illustrates a side view in elevation of a carriage member inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16B illustrates a front view in elevation of the carriage member ofFIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C illustrates a rear view in elevation of the carriage member ofFIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A illustrates a side view in elevation of a medial side ofanother embodiment of the article of footwear in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 17B illustrates a side view in elevation of a lateral side of theembodiment of the article of footwear illustrated in FIG. 17A.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to FIGS. 1-4, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100, asole 200, a dynamic tensioning system 300, and a lacing element 400. Thearticle of footwear 10 defines a forefoot region 12, a middle region 14,and a heel region 16, as well as a medial side 18 (disposed along themedial side of the foot) and a lateral side 20 (disposed along thelateral side of the foot). The upper includes a heel, a lateral quarter,a medial quarter, a vamp, and a toe cage. In the illustrated embodiment,the vamp possesses a unitary construction, being integrated with themedial and lateral quarters. In other embodiments, the vamp may includea tongue slot dividing the medial and lateral quarters with a tonguecoupled to the rear of the vamp. The upper 100 and sole 200 cooperate todefine a foot cavity adapted to receive a human foot. An opening 106provides access to the cavity, enabling a foot to enter and be disposedwithin the cavity.

The upper 100 may be constructed from various materials that areconfigured to conform and contour to a foot that is placed within thearticle of footwear 10. In some embodiments, various materials may beused to construct the upper 100, including, but not limited to, leather,synthetic leather, rubber, textile fabrics (e.g., breathable fabrics,mesh fabrics, synthetic fabrics), etc. One material used for the upper100 may be configured to have a high degree of stretchability andcompressibility, while another material used on the upper 100 may have alower degree of stretchability and compressibility. The materials usedon the upper 100 may be generally lightweight and flexible, and may beconfigured to provide comfort to the user and provide other desirablefeatures. Moreover, the materials used on the upper 100 may beconfigured to have desirable aesthetics and functional features thatincorporate durability, flexibility, air permeability and/or other typesof desirable properties to the upper 100.

The sole 200 may be constructed of a compression material such asethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The compression material isconfigured to compress on impact and provide cushion to the user's footas the article of footwear 10 impacts a support surface.

The dynamic tensioning system includes one or more medial tensioningelements disposed on the shoe medial side (proximate medial quarter) andone or more lateral tensioning elements disposed on lateral shoe side(proximate the lateral quarter). Each tensioning element includes acarrier element or strand and a carriage member (also called a floatingeyelet) movably coupled to the carrier strand. In the illustratedembodiments, the tensioning system includes three medial tensioningelements and three lateral tensioning elements generally aligned with acorresponding medial tensioning element. It should be understood,however, that more or less tensioning elements may be utilized. Itshould further be understood that the tensioning elements need not bealigned and may be oriented such that a medial tensioning element isoffset (in the transverse dimension of the shoe) from a lateraltensioning element (and vice versa).

The carrier strand is flexible, possessing tensile strength sufficientfor its described purpose (to capture a lace and secure a shoe to auser's foot). The term “strand” includes a single fiber, filament, ormonofilament, as well as an ordered assemblage of textile fibers havinga high ratio of length to diameter and normally used as a unit (e.g.,slivers, roving, single yarns, plies yarns, cords, braids, ropes, etc.).In an embodiment, a strand is a yarn (a continuous strand of textilefibers, filaments, or material in a form suitable for knitting, weaving,or otherwise intertwining to form a textile fabric). A yarn may include,but is not limited to, a number of fibers twisted together (spun yarn),a number of filaments laid together without twist (a zero-twist yarn), anumber of filaments laid together with a degree of twist, and a singlefilament with or without twist (a monofilament). By way of specificexample, the carrier strand may be may be a nylon cord, a polyestercord, or a cord formed of high molecular weight polyolefin (e.g.,polyethylene). In still other embodiments, the strand is a cable formedof, e.g., metal such as steel. The carrier strand may further includemultiple strands (e.g., multiple lines, cables, or cords).

Each carrier strand includes a first end portion (with terminal end) anda second end portion (with terminal end), each of which is secured(e.g., coupled or connected) to the article of footwear to provide afree run section or loop along which the carriage member moves(discussed in greater detail below). In the illustrated embodiment, eachstrand terminal end is fixed to the article of footwear. Specifically,the strand terminal ends are fixed to the upper and/or midsole, e.g.,via an adhesive or by capturing the strand ends between the strobel andthe midsole (which are bonded together, e.g., via an adhesive). Withthis configuration, each strand is adapted to move/pivot relative to theupper.

In an embodiment, the carriage member or floating eyelet 310 defines atop side 312, a bottom side 314, a first side 316, and a second side318. The carriage member 310 includes a central hub 320 and a pluralityof arms or extensions extending outward from the central hub.Specifically, the upper portion of the carriage member includes a firstextension 322 extends outward from a lateral side of the hub 320, and asecond extension 324 extends outward from a second lateral side of thehub (opposite the first hub side). The bottom side of carriage memberfurther includes a third extension 326 extending from the hub firstlateral side and a fourth extension 328 extending from hub secondlateral side. Each extension, moreover, is a generally open channelconfigured to act as guide for the lacing element and/or the carrierstrand (discussed in greater detail below). As shown, each extensionpair (the first/second extension and the third/fourth extensions)cooperate with the hub to define generally arcuate structure along thecarriage member.

The hub 320 of the carriage member 310 includes a passage 330 sized andconfigured to receive at least a portion of the set of laces 400 and atleast one set of tethers 340. The hub passage 330, moreover, is incommunication with the open channels of the extension members. With thisconfiguration, generally arcuate travel paths are formed along thecarriage member top side and bottom side. In operation, the lacingelement 400 travels along the first extension 322, passes through thehub passage 330, and travels along the second extension 324. Similarly,the carrier strand 340 travels along the third extension 326, passesthrough the hub passage 330, and travels along the fourth extension 328.The lacing element and carrier strand each contour to the arcuatechannel, being guided along an arcuate travel path. Accordingly, eachcarriage member 310 slides along the lacing element 400 and itsassociated strand 340.

As noted above, the lateral side 20 of the article of footwear 10includes three carrier strands 340(1), 340(2), and 340(3). The medialside 18 of the article of footwear 10 may include the same number ofcarrier strands 340. In other embodiments, the number of carrier strands340 may differ between the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 10and the lateral side 20 of the article of footwear 10. Also as notedabove, the strand end portions are secured to the article of footwear.In general, the cord end portions are coupled to the article of footwearproximate the sole 200 such that the free run section or loop of thecord extends upward, being disposed proximate the instep of the foot. Inthe illustrated embodiments, each carrier strand 340(1)-340(3) includesa first terminal end 342(1), 342(2), 342(3) and a second terminal end344(1), 344(2), 344(3). In an embodiment, the terminal ends342(1)-342(3), 344(1)-344(3) may be positioned between the bottomsurface of the upper 100 and the top surface of the sole 200.

The carrier strands may be positioned along the upper 100 such thatstrand end portions overlap. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the firstterminal end 342(1) of the first carrier strand 340(1) is disposedforward of its second end 344(1). The first carrier strand 340(1)includes a loop between the first end 342(1) and the second end 344(1).

Similarly, the first end 342(2) of the second carrier strand 340(2) isdisposed forward of its second end 344(2), with the first end 342(2) ofthe second carrier strand 340(2) being coupled to the article offootwear 10 at a point falling between the connection point of the firstend 342(1) and the second end 344(1) of the first carrier strand 340(1).The second carrier 340(2) also includes a loop between the first end342(2) and the second end 344(2). The loop of the second carrier strand340(2) at least partially overlaps the loop of the first carrier strand340(1).

Similar to the first and second carrier strand 340(1), 340(2), the firstend 342(3) of the third carrier strand 340(3) is disposed forward of itsthe second end 344(3), where the first end 342(3) of the third carrierstrand 340(3) is coupled to the article of footwear 10 proximate thesecond end 344(1) of the first carrier strand 340(1) and between thefirst end 342(1) and the second end 344(1) of the first carrier strand340(1). Like the first and second carrier strands 340(1), 340(2), thethird carrier strand 340(2) includes two lines that form a loop betweenthe first end 342(3) and the second end 344(3). The loop of the thirdcarrier strand 340(3) at least partially overlaps the loops of the firstcarrier 340(1) and the second carrier strand 340(2). As illustrated inFIG. 4, the second end 344(2) of the second carrier strand 340(2) iscoupled to article of footwear 10 between the second end 344(1) of thefirst carrier strand 340(1) and the second end 344(3) of the thirdcarrier strand 340(3). In other embodiments of the article of footwear10, the number of carrier strands 340(1)-340(3) may be greater or lessthan the three sets 340(1)-340(3) illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

Turning to FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 7C, illustrated is a second exampleembodiment of an article of footwear 30. The second embodiment of thearticle of footwear 30 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is substantiallysimilar to the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, except that the eyelet system 300 of thesecond embodiment of the article of footwear 30 differs from the firstembodiment of the article of footwear 10. Similar to the firstembodiment of the article of footwear 10, the second embodiment of thearticle of footwear 30 includes an upper 100, a sole 200, and laces orstring 400. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the laces 400 include a first end402 and a second end 404. While the second embodiment of the article offootwear 30 also includes an eyelet system 300, the eyelet system 300 ofthe second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 may includeadditional or differing structures from that of the first embodiment ofthe article of footwear 10.

The article of footwear 30 includes a forefoot region 12, a middleregion 14, a heel region 16, a medial side 18, and a lateral side 20.The upper 100 has a top surface 102 and a bottom surface 104. The sole200 also has a top surface 202 and a bottom surface 204. As bestillustrated in FIG. 5, the bottom surface 104 of the upper 100 isdisposed on and coupled to the top surface 202 of the sole 200.Moreover, the bottom surface 204 of the sole 200 is configured toprovide support for a foot disposed within the upper 100 and contact thesupport surface S. The top surface 102 of the upper 100 further includesan opening 106 disposed proximate to the heel region 16 of the articleof footwear 10. The coupling of the upper 100 to the sole 200 creates acavity, where the opening 106 provides access to the cavity, enabling afoot to enter and be disposed within the cavity.

Similar to the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10, the upper100 of the second embodiment of the article of footwear 30 may beconstructed from various materials that are configured to conform andcontour to a foot that is placed within the article of footwear 30. Alsosimilar to the first embodiment of the article of footwear 10, the sole200 of the second embodiment of footwear 30 may be constructed from athermoplastic or thermoset material, such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate(EVA) foam material, that is configured to compress on impact andprovide cushion to the user's foot as the article of footwear 30 impactsthe support surface S.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 7C, the eyelet system300 includes a plurality of carriage members of floating eyelets 350, aplurality of carrier strands or tethers 340, and a base element 370.Illustrated in FIG. 7A is a front view of the eyelet 350. Furthermore,illustrated in FIG. 7B is a side view of the eyelet 350, whileillustrated in FIG. 7C is a rear view of the eyelet 350. The eyelet 350includes a top end 352 and a bottom end 354, the bottom end 354 beingopposite of the top end 352. The eyelet 350 further includes a firstside 356 and a second side 358, the second side 358 being opposite thefirst side 356, where the first and second sides 356, 358 connect thetop and bottom ends 352, 354. As best illustrated in FIG. 7B, the topend 352 includes a first receiving portion 360 that is substantiallycylindrical in shape and thicker than the remaining portions of theeyelet 350. Furthermore, the first receiving portion 360 of the eyelet350 includes a channel 362 that extends from the first end 356 to thesecond end 358 of the eyelet 350 through the first receiving portion360. The channel 362 is sized and shaped for the set of laces 400 to bethreaded through the channel 362. Moreover, the laces 400 are configuredto slide through the channel 362 as the eyelet 350 slides along thelaces 400.

The bottom end 354 of the eyelet 350 includes a second receiving portion364. The second receiving portion 364 is curved upward toward the middleof the eyelet 350. The second receiving portion 364 further includes aflange 366 and an intermediate segment 367, where the flange 366 extendsoutwardly from the intermediate segment 367 and away from the front ofthe eyelet 350. The intermediate segment 367 is disposed proximate tothe front of the eyelet 350, and may be configured to contact the frontof the eyelet 350. The second receiving portion 364 curves around fromthe bottom end 354 of the eyelet 350 to the intermediate segment 367 todefine a passageway 368. The passageway extends from the first side 356to the second side 358 of the eyelet 350. A force may be applied to theflange 366 to cause the intermediate segment 367 to be moved away fromthe front of the eyelet 350, enabling the sets of tethers 340(1),340(2), 340(3) to be disposed within the passageway 368. The secondreceiving portion 364 is configured for the sets of tethers 340(1),340(2), 340(3) to be slid past the intermediate segment 367 and into thepassageway 368. Moreover, the passageway 368 is sized and shaped toenable the eyelet 350 to slide along the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2),340(3).

As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the medial side 18 of the articleof footwear 30 includes three sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), and340(3). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the lateral side 20 of the article offootwear 30 also includes the same three sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2),and 340(3). In other embodiments, the number of sets of tethers 340 maydiffer between the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 30 and thelateral side 20 of the article of footwear 30. Also, the number of setsof tethers 340 may be greater or less than three on each side 18, 20 ofthe article of footwear 30. Each one of the six sets of tethers 340(1),340(2), and 340(3) is received by the second receiving portion 364 ofthe eyelets 350, while the laces 400 are received by the first receivingportion 360. As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the sets of tethers340(1), 340(2), and 340(3) on the medial side 18 of the article offootwear 30 are coupled to a base element 370, which is at leastpartially disposed between the bottom surface 104 of the upper 100 andthe top surface 202 of the sole 200.

Turning to FIG. 8, illustrated is an embodiment of the base element 370of the eyelet system 300. The base element 370 includes a bottom portion372 with a plurality of substantially upward extending members374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) which are organized in pairs and positionedalong the length of the base element 370 to extend substantially upwardfrom the bottom portion 372. Referring back to FIG. 5, the bottomportion 372 may be the portion of the base element 370 that is at leastpartially disposed between the bottom surface 104 of the upper 100 andthe top surface 202 of the sole 200. The base element 370 includes afirst front pair of members 374(1), a second front pair of members374(2), and a third front pair of members 374(3). The base element 370further includes a first rear pair of members 376(1), a second rear pairof members 376(2), and a third rear pair of members 376(3). The firstfront pair of member 374(1) are positioned on one side of the bottomportion 372 of the base element 370, followed by the second front pairof members 374(2), the third front pair of members 374(3), the firstrear pair of members 376(1), the second rear pair of members 376(2), andthe third rear pair of members 376(3). While FIG. 8 illustrates thepairs of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) being of various heights,widths, and extending from the bottom portion 372 at various degreesfrom vertical, the pairs of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) inother embodiments of the base element 370 may be uniform. Furthermore,the base element 370 and the pairs of members 374(1)-374(3),376(1)-376(3) may be constructed from a substantially resilientmaterial, enabling the base element 370 and the pairs of members374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) to bend and contour to the upper 100 as theupper 100 contours to the shape of a foot disposed within the article offootwear 30.

Turning to FIG. 9, illustrated is a cross sectional view of one of themembers 374(2) of FIG. 8 along line A-A. While FIG. 9 illustrates onlythe cross section of one of the members 374(2) of the pair of members374(2), the cross section of each of the members of the pair of members374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) may be substantially identical to oneanother. As illustrated, each one of the members of the pair of members374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) contains a first side 380 and a second side382. The first side 380 may be substantially flat, while the second side382 may be substantially curved. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, thefirst side 380 may be configured to rest along the top surface 102 ofthe upper 100, while the second side 382 may be configured to face awayfrom the top surface 102 of the upper 100. Moreover, the first andsecond sides 380, 382 surround a central bore 384. The central bore 384may be configured to receive and secure the sets of tethers 340(1),340(2), 340(3) to the pairs of members 374(1)-374(3), 376(1)-376(3) ofthe base element 370.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of the top of the forefoot andmiddle regions 12, 14 of an article of footwear 30 according to thesecond embodiment 30. As illustrated, both the medial side 18 and thelateral side 20 of the article of footwear 30 are illustrated. As statedpreviously with regard to FIG. 6, the medial side 18 and the lateralside 20 both include an eyelet system 300, where each contains threesets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3). Similar to the first embodimentof the article of footwear 10, each set of tethers 340(1)-340(3) of thesecond embodiment of the article of footwear 30 includes a first end342(1), 342(2), 342(3), and a second end 344(1), 344(2), 344(3). Thefirst end 342(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) are disposed in thefirst front pair of members 374(1), while the second end 344(1) of thefirst set of tethers 340(1) are disposed in the first rear pair ofmembers 376(1). The first end 342(2) of the second set of tethers 340(2)is disposed in the second front pair of members 374(2), while the secondend 344(2) of the second set of tethers 340(2) is disposed in the secondrear pair of members 376(2). Finally, the first end 342(3) of the thirdset of tethers 340(3) is disposed in the third front pair of members374(3), while the second end 344(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3)is disposed in the third rear pair of members 376(3).

As further illustrated in FIG. 10, the first set of tethers 340(1)includes two lines that form a loop proximate to the middle region 14 ofthe article of footwear 30 between the first front pair of members374(1) and first rear pair of members 376(1) of the base element 370.The second set of tethers 340(2) also includes two lines that form aloop proximate to the middle region 14 of the article of footwear 30between the second front pair of members 374(2) and the second rear pairof members 376(2) of the base element 370. Furthermore, the third set oftethers 340(3) includes two lines that form a loop proximate to themiddle region 14 of the article of footwear 30 between the third frontpair of members 374(3) and the third rear pair of members 376(3) of thebase element 370. The second set of tethers 340(2) is positionedsubstantially between the first pair of tethers 340(1) and the thirdpair of tethers 340(3). Each of the tethers 340(1)-340(3) may containtwo lines to provided added durability and strength to the eyelet system300. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lines that form the three setsof tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) are overlapping and intertwined withone another. Thus, one of the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) isnot fully disposed over any of the other sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2),340(3). Moreover, the loops formed by the sets of tethers 340(1),340(2), 340(3) are slidably coupled to the eyelets 350, where each loopformed by the sets of tethers 340(1), 340(2), 340(3) is configured tohave at least one eyelet 350 configured to slide along the loop.

Continuing with FIG. 10, the coupling of the first end 342(2) of thesecond set of tethers 340(2) to the second front pair of members 374(2)is disposed along the sides 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 betweenthe coupling of the first end 342(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1)to the first front pair of members 374(1) and the coupling of the firstend 342(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) to the third front pair ofmembers 374(3). Moreover, the coupling of the second end 344(2) of thesecond set of tethers 340(2) to the second rear pair of members 376(2)is disposed along the sides 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 betweenthe coupling of the second end 344(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1)to the first rear pair of members 376(1) and the coupling of the secondend 344(3) of the third set of tethers 340(3) to the third rear pair ofmembers 376(3). The coupling of the first end 342(3) of the third set oftethers 340(3) to the third front pair of members 374(1) is disposedalong the sides 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 closer to theforefoot region 12 of the article of footwear 30 than the coupling ofthe second end 344(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) to the firstrear pair of members 376(1). It then follows that the coupling of thefirst end 342(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) to the first frontpair of members 374(1) and the coupling of the second end 344(3) of thethird set of tethers 340(3) to the third rear pair of members 376(3) arelocated on the ends of the base element 370, where the coupling of thefirst end 342(1) of the first set of tethers 340(1) to the first frontpair of members 374(1) is disposed closer to the forefoot region 12 ofthe article of footwear 30 than the coupling of the second end 344(3) ofthe third set of tethers 340(3) to the third rear pair of members376(3).

Turning to FIG. 11, illustrated is another embodiment of the baseelement 390, which differs from the previous embodiment of the baseelement 370. As illustrated in FIG. 11, this embodiment of the baseelement 390 includes a plurality of separate panels 392(1), 392(2),392(3), 394(1), 394(2), 394(3) instead of the one bottom portion 372 ofthe base element 370 illustrated in FIG. 10. Moreover, each panel392(1), 392(2), 392(3), 394(1), 394(2), 394(3) of the base element 390contains a pair of members 396(1), 396(2), 396(3), 398(1), 398(2),398(3), respectively, that are configured to receive and be coupled tothe ends 342(1)-342(3), 344(1)-344(3) of the three sets of tethers340(1)-340(3).

In even other embodiments of the article of footwear 10, the number ofsets of tethers 340(1)-340(3) on each side 18, 20 of the article offootwear 30 may be greater or less than the three sets 340(1)-340(3)illustrated on each side 18, 20 of the article of footwear 30 in FIGS. 6and 10. Moreover, the sets of tethers 340(1)-340(3) may include more orless than two lines.

During operation, as a user/wearer of the articles of footwear 10, 30pulls on the ends 402, 404 of the laces 400, the laces are pulledthrough the eyelets 310, 350. The continued pulling of the laces 400causes the eyelets 310, 350 to be moved closer to one another proximateto the middle region 14 of the articles of footwear 10, 30. This alsocauses the eyelets 310, 350 to be repositioned along the tethers340(1)-340(3) to a position on the tethers 340(1)-340(3) that allows thecombination of the laces 400, the tethers 340(1)-340(3), and the eyelets310, 350 to conform to the shape of the feet placed within the articlesof footwear 10, 30. Because the combination of the laces 400, thetethers 340(1)-340(3), and the eyelets 310, 350 are disposed over thetop surface 102 of the upper 100 proximate to the middle region 14 ofthe articles of footwear 10, 30, the pulling of the laces also causesthe combination of the laces 400, the tethers 340(1)-340(3), and theeyelets 310, 350 force the upper 100 to conform and contour to the shapeof the feet placed within the articles of footwear 10, 30.

In accordance with another embodiment, the dynamic tensioning systemincludes a carriage member operable to move along a carrier element.Unlike the previous embodiments, the end portions of the carrierelements are adapted to pivot and/or rotate (i.e., the ends of thecarrier strand are rotatably coupled to the shoe). Referring to FIGS.12-16, the article of footwear 1200 includes an upper 1205 and a sole1210 similar to that described above and defining a medial side and alateral side. The upper has a dynamic tensioning system including one ormore medial carrier strands 1215 disposed along the shoe medial side(FIG. 12B) and one or more lateral carrier strands 1220 disposed alongshoe lateral side (FIG. 12A). Specifically, the dynamic tensioningsystem includes a plurality of medial carrier strands 1215A, 1215B,1215C and a plurality of lateral carrier strands 1220A, 1220B, 1220C. Acarriage member 1225 is coupled to each carrier strand, being adapted toengage a lacing element 1230.

Each plurality of strands includes a first or forward carrier strand1215A, 1220A oriented proximate the vamp, a second or central carrierstrand 1215B, 1220B positioned rearward of the forward carrier strand(e.g., proximate the quarter of the upper), and a third or rearwardcarrier strand 1215C, 1220C positioned rearward of the central carrierstrand (e.g., spanning the quarter and the heel areas of the upper). Thecarrier strands 1215A-1215C, 1220A-1220C overlap. Specifically, thecentral carrier strand 1215B, 1220B is positioned under each of theforward carrier strand 1215A, 1220A and the rearward carrier strand1215C, 1220C.

The dimensions (length and/or width) of the carrier strands may besimilar, or may differ. For example, the forward carrier 1215A, 1220Astrand may possess the shortest length, while the rearward carrierstrand 1215C, 1220C may possess the greatest length. Similarly, thediameter/thickness of each strand may be the same, or may differ. Alarger diameter may be selected to increase the friction between thecarriage member and the carrier strand, slowing the movement of thecarriage member on the strand.

A carrier strand includes a first terminal end 1305A, a second terminalend 1305B, and an intermediate run 1310 between the ends. Secured toeach end 1305A, 1305B of the carrier strand is a coupling element 1315A,1315B adapted to rotatably connect to a coupling element 1405 mountedonto the upper 1205. Specifically, the strand coupling element 1315A,1315B may be in the form of a generally annular connector, while theupper coupling element 1405 includes a circular base 1410 and a post orcylinder 1415 extending outward from the base. The post 1415 terminatesin a flange 1420 at its distal end effective to movably capture thestrand coupling element 1315A, 1315B to the post. With thisconfiguration, the annular connector 1315A, 1315B mates with the post1415 such that the ring rotates about the post when connected (FIG. 15).

The upper coupling elements 1405 are positioned at selected locationsalong the article of footwear, being longitudinally spaced along theupper 1205. The upper coupling elements 1405 are positioned along thelower portion of the upper, proximate the midsole. The upper couplingelements 1405 are positioned such that the post axis is orientedgenerally orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the upper. In theembodiment illustrated, six upper coupling elements 1405A-1405F aredisposed on each side (lateral/medial) to accommodate the pair of strandcoupling elements 1315A, 1315B on each of the three carrier strands1215, 1220. The upper coupling elements 1415 may be generallyequidistant from each other.

As shown, when connected to the upper, the carrier strand 1215, 1220includes a first portion that runs upward, from a first upper couplingelement 1405A, 1405B, 1405D and toward the carriage member 1225, as wellas a second portion that runs downward, from the carriage member 1225 toa second upper coupling element 1405C, 1405E, 1405F. With theabove-described configuration, the carrier strand 1215, 1220 and, inparticular, the strand coupling element 1315A, 1315B, rotates about thepost as force is applied thereto. Thus, the carriage member 1225 adaptsits rotational position in response to forces applied during use (e.g.,forces applied to the carriage member, in turn, are applied to thestrand coupling element situated on the post). This, in turn, alters theincline angle of the first strand portion and the angle of decline ofthe second strand portion. This configuration enables the lateraladjustment of carriage member 1225 relative to the upper 1205 (e.g. thecarriage member moves longitudinally, along the shoe longitudinal axis).

The carriage member 1225 is adapted to glide along the carrier strand,as well to movably capture a lacing element 1230. In the embodimentillustrated, the carriage member 1225 is generally J shaped, including alower, hooked portion 1510 and an upper, header portion 1505. The headerportion 1505 includes an aperture 1515 through which the lacing elementpasses. The hooked portion 1510 is configured to receive and capture thecarrier strand 1215, 1220. Accordingly, the carriage member 1225 isadapted to move along the carrier strand 1225 and the lacing element1230, or vice versa.

With this configuration the carriage members 1225 function as floatingeyelets (eyelets tethered to the article of footwear via multiplestrands), improving fit. That is, each carriage member 1225 moves alongmultiple axes (e.g., x, y, and z), landing in the optimum position inlight of the topography of the upper 1205. The topography of the upper1205 is dictated by the shape of the foot. Accordingly, the carriagemembers 1225 find the optimum position relative to the foot. Inoperation, engaging the lacing element 1230 draws the carriage members1225 toward the foot (in the transverse direction), with each carriagemember independently moving longitudinally until the optimum position isidentified.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, the dynamic tensioning systemis inserted or threaded through portions of the upper. Unlike theprevious embodiments, the end portions of the carrier elements areinserted through the upper and secured within the interior of the upper(i.e., the ends of the carrier strand may be attached at the strobel).Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the article of footwear 1700 includes amedial side 1705 (FIG. 17A), a lateral side 1710 (FIG. 17B), an upper1715, and a sole structure comprising a midsole 1720 and an outsole1725. The upper 1715 includes one or more segments 1730 disposed on themedial side 1705 (FIG. 17A) and one or more segments 1735 disposed alongthe lateral side 1710 (FIG. 17B). More specifically, disposed on theupper 1715, and along the medial side 1705 of the article of footwear1700, are four segments 1730A, 1730B, 1730C, 1730D that are alignedalong the lengthwise direction of the article of footwear 1700.Similarly, disposed on the upper 1715, but along the lateral side 1710of the article of footwear 1700, are four segments 1735A, 1735B, 1735C,1735D that are aligned along the lengthwise direction of the article offootwear 1700. The segments 1730A-1730D each include openings1740A-1740D, respectively. Similar to the segments 1730A-1730D, thesegments 1735A-1735D each include openings 1745A-1745D.

In addition, the upper 1715 contains a dynamic tensioning systemincluding one or more medial carrier strands 1750 disposed along boththe medial side 1705 (FIG. 17A) and one or more lateral carrier strands1755 disposed along the lateral side 1710 (FIG. 17A). Specifically, thedynamic tensioning system includes a plurality of medial carrier strands1750A, 1750B, 1750C and a plurality of lateral carrier strands 1755A,1755B, 1755C. As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the ends of medial carrierstrand 1750A are threaded through the openings 1740A and 1740B. Inaddition, the ends of medial carrier strand 1750B are threaded throughthe openings 1740B and 1740C, while the ends of medial carrier strand1750C are threaded through the openings 1740C and 1740D. Similarly, FIG.17B illustrates the ends of lateral carrier strand 1755A being threadedthrough the openings 1745A and 1745B, and the ends of lateral carrierstrand 1755B being threaded through the openings 1745B and 1745C. FIG.17B also illustrates lateral carrier strand 1755C being threaded throughthe openings 1745C and 1745D. A carriage member 1760 is coupled to eachmedial carrier strand 1750, and a carriage member 1765 is coupled toeach lateral carrier strand 1760. Thus, carriage member 1760A is coupledto medial carrier strand 1750A, carriage member 1760B is coupled tomedial carrier strand 1750B, and carriage member 1760C is coupled tomedial carrier strand 1750C. Similarly, carriage member 1765A is coupledto medial carrier strand 1755A, carriage member 1765B is coupled tomedial carrier strand 1755B, and carriage member 1765C is coupled tomedial carrier strand 1755C. The carriage members 1760A-1760C,1765A-1765C may be substantially similar to those illustrated in FIGS.7A-7C, and 16A-16C. The carriage members 1760A-1760C, 1765A-1765C areadapted to engage a lacing element 1770.

Each plurality of strands includes a first or forward carrier strand1750A, 1755A oriented proximate the vamp, a second or central carrierstrand 1750B, 1755B positioned rearward of the forward carrier strand(e.g., proximate the quarter of the upper), and a third or rearwardcarrier strand 1750C, 1755C positioned rearward of the central carrierstrand (e.g., spanning the quarter area of the upper most proximate theheel). Unlike the carrier strands of other embodiments disclosed herein,the carrier strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B do not overlap one another on theexterior surface of the upper 1715. As previously described, carrierstrands 1750A-1750C are threaded through the openings 1740A-1740D, whilecarrier strands 1755A-1755C are threaded through the openings1745A-1745D. The dimensions (length and/or width) of the carrier strands1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C may be similar, or may differ. For example, theforward carrier strands 1750A, 1755A may possess the shortest length,while the rearward carrier strands 1750C, 1755C may possess the greatestlength. Similarly, the diameter/thickness of each strand may be thesame, or may differ. A larger diameter may be selected to increase thefriction between the carriage member and the carrier strand, slowing themovement of the carriage member on the strand.

As previously mentioned, the ends of the carriage strands 1750A-1750C,1755A-1755C are attached to the article of footwear 1700 within theinterior of the upper 1715. In one embodiment, the ends of the carriagestrands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C may be attached or coupled to thestrobel (i.e., where the upper 1715 attaches to a footbed or the midsole1720). In another embodiment, the ends of the carriage strands1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C may be attached or coupled (via stitching,bonding, adhesives, etc.) to the interior surface of the upper 1715. Inyet another embodiment, the ends of the carriage strands 1750A-1750C,1755A-1755C may be attached or coupled to the strobel, while the portionof the carrier strands 1750A-1750C, 1755A-1755C disposed within theinterior of the upper 1715 are coupled to the interior surface of theupper 1715. This may be completed with a hot melt microfiber lining.

As shown, when connected to the upper, the carrier strands 1750, 1755include a first portion that runs upward, from one opening 1740, 1745and toward the carriage members 1760, 1765, as well as a second portionthat runs downward, from the carriage members 1760, 1765 to anotheropening 1740, 1745. With the above-described configuration, the movementof the carrier strands 1750, 1755 are limited by the openings 1740, 1745rather than the connection of ends of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 tothe upper 1715. Thus, the carriage members 1760, 1765 adapt theirposition in response to forces applied during use (e.g., forces appliedto the carriage members 1760, 1765, in turn, are applied to the carrierstrands 1750, 1755 at the intersection of the carrier strands 1750, 1755and the openings 1740, 1745). This, in turn, alters the incline angle ofthe first strand portion and the angle of decline of the second strandportion of each carrier strand 1750, 1755. This configuration enablesthe lateral adjustment of carriage members 1760, 1765 relative to theupper 1715 (e.g. the carriage member moves longitudinally, along theshoe longitudinal axis).

Similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, the carriage members1760, 1765 are adapted to glide along the carrier strands 1750, 1755, aswell to movably capture a lacing element 1770. Accordingly, the carriagemembers 1760, 1765 are adapted to move along the carrier strands 1750,1755 and the lacing elements 1770, or vice versa.

With this configuration the carriage members 1760, 1765 function asfloating eyelets (eyelets tethered to the article of footwear viamultiple strands), improving fit. That is, each carriage member 1760,1765 moves along multiple axes (e.g., x, y, and z), landing in theoptimum position in light of the topography of the upper 1715. Thetopography of the upper 1715 is dictated by the shape of the footdisposed within the upper 1715. Accordingly, the carriage members 1760,1765 find the optimum position relative to the foot. In operation,engaging the lacing element 1770 draws the carriage members 1760, 1765toward the foot (in the transverse direction), with each carriage member1760, 1765 independently moving longitudinally until the optimumposition is identified. The openings 1740, 1745 act as guides and/orlimit the degree of movement of the portion of the carrier strands 1750,1755 within the interior of the upper 1715. Thus, the openings 1740,1745 may limit the amount of stress induced onto the connection of theends of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 to the upper 1715. In addition,the openings 1740, 1745 may limit or reduce the degree of movement ofthe portion of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 disposed atop the exteriorsurface of the upper 1715. This prevents the carriage members 1760, 1765from being moved to extreme positions along the upper while stillenabling the carriage members 1760, 1765 to be placed in optimumposition based on the topography of the upper 1715. Finally, placing theconnection of the carriage strands 1750, 1755 within the interior of theupper 1715 makes the dynamic tensioning system more durable, as theends/connections of the carrier strands 1750, 1755 are less susceptibleto the wear and tear experienced by the exterior of an article offootwear.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,”“lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may beused herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do notlimit the present invention to any particular orientation orconfiguration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describean example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplaryis not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, butrather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of theinvention.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described hereinas embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless notintended to be limited to the details shown, since various modificationsand structural changes may be made therein without departing from thescope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents ofthe claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodimentsmay be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in amanner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole; anupper coupled to the sole, the upper being configured to receive atleast a portion of a human foot; a plurality of tethering elements, eachtethering element of the plurality including: a strand defining a firstend portion, a second end portion, and a free run portion between thefirst and second end portions, and a carriage member movably coupled tothe strand such that the carriage member is adapted to move along thestrand; and a lacing element movably coupled to the carriage members,wherein engaging the lacing element repositions each carriage memberalong the strand to which the carriage member is coupled.
 2. The articleof footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper includes a medial quarter anda lateral quarter, and the upper defines a cavity.
 3. The article offootwear of claim 2, wherein the medial quarter includes a plurality ofopenings aligned in a longitudinal direction of the article of footwearand the lateral quarter includes a plurality of openings aligned in thelongitudinal direction.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 3, whereineach strand is inserted through at least one of the openings so that thefirst end portion and second end portion of each strand is disposedwithin the cavity of the upper, and the free run portion is disposedoutside of the cavity of the upper.
 5. The article of footwear of claim1, wherein each carriage member comprises: a central hub; a plurality ofarms extending outwardly from the central hub; and a channel extendingthrough the central hub, wherein both the lacing element and the strandare threaded through the channel.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1,wherein each carriage member comprises: a channel extending through afirst end of the carriage member, the channel configured to receive aportion of the lacing element; and a curved flange disposed on a secondend of the carriage member, the curved flange defining a receivingportion configured to receive the strand.
 7. An article of footwearcomprising: a sole having a bottom surface and a top surface; an upperhaving a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of theupper being disposed on the top surface of the sole; an eyelet systemincluding: a cord at least partially disposed between the bottom surfaceof the upper and the top surface of the sole, and an eyelet slidablycoupled to the cord; and a string slidably coupled to the eyeletproximate to the upper, wherein tightening or loosening of the stringcauses the eyelet to be repositioned along the cord with respect to theupper.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the cord of theeyelet system is a forward cord disposed proximate a toe end of thearticle of footwear, and the eyelet system further comprises: a rearwardcord disposed proximate a heel end of the article of footwear; and amiddle cord disposed between the forward cord and the rear cord.
 9. Thearticle of the footwear of claim 8, wherein the forward cord forms afirst loop, the middle cord forms a second loop, and the rearward cordforms a third loop.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein theeyelet of the eyelet system is a first eyelet slidably coupled to thefirst loop, and the eyelet system further comprises: a second eyeletslidably coupled to the second loop; and a third eyelet slidably coupledto the third loop.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein theeyelet system further includes a base element including a bottom portionand a plurality of upwardly extending members, the bottom portion beingdisposed between the bottom surface of the upper and the top surface ofthe sole.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the forwardcord, the middle cord, and the rearward cord extend through theplurality of upwardly extending members of the base element.
 13. Thearticle of footwear of claim 11, wherein the base element is constructedfrom a resilient material.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 12,wherein the eyelet system is a first eyelet system, and furthercomprising a second eyelet system, the first eyelet system beingdisposed on a medial side of the article of footwear and the secondeyelet system being disposed on a lateral side of the article offootwear.
 15. An article of footwear comprising: an eyelet systemincluding: a cord having a first end and a second end, the first andsecond ends of the cord being rotatably coupled to an upper, and aneyelet slidably coupled to the cord; and a string slidably coupled tothe eyelet proximate to the upper, wherein tightening or loosening ofthe string causes the eyelet to be repositioned along the cord withrespect to the upper.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 15, furthercomprising: an upper; and a plurality of coupling elements disposedlongitudinally along the upper proximate to the coupling of the upper toa midsole.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein each of theplurality of coupling elements comprises: a circular base; a postincluding a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled tothe circular base, and the post extending outward from the base; and aflange coupled to the second end of the post.
 18. The article offootwear of claim 17, wherein both the first end and the second end ofthe cord include a coupling member, each coupling member is annular andincludes a central opening configured to receive and rotate about thepost of the coupling element of the upper.
 19. The article of footwearof claim 15, wherein the cord of the eyelet system is a forward corddisposed proximate a toe end of the article of footwear, and the eyeletis first eyelet slidably coupled to the forward cord, the eyelet systemfurther comprises: a rearward cord disposed proximate a heel end of thearticle of footwear; a middle cord disposed between the forward cord andthe rear cord; a second eyelet slidably coupled to the middle cord; anda third eyelet slidably coupled to the rearward cord.
 20. The article offootwear of claim 19, wherein each eyelet comprises: a channel extendingthrough a first end of the eyelet, the channel configured to receive aportion of the string; and a curved flange disposed on a second end ofthe eyelets, the curved flange defining a receiving portion configuredto receive the cord.